Chicano theater involves spanish speaking performances that took place as early as 1600 in the South West and later in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Luis Valdez became the father of Chicano theater with his politically undertoned plays that promoted social change. In the pinnacle of the Chicano theater movement, 100 groups were in action. Racial violence, stereotypes, and mistreatment were featured in these plays being performed across the United States. Even student led efforts developed theater productions. Some productions implement “Spanglish,” and others like to keep English and Spanish separate. Cuban American theater sprouted up in the 19th century. Early productions helped raise money for Cuban independence. Cuban blackface farce was an extremely popular type of production. A slightly recent resurgence of Cuban theater occurred in 1959 with the onset of the Cuban Revolution. The next generation of writers participating in Cuban theater or those who were raised or started their theater careers in the United States. They include English and Spanish dialogue. Hispanic theater is very successful in the United States due to its prevalent culture in America. The first Hispanic theater that appeared was near 1600. The past 25 years is when the movement picked up speed especially though. It’s underappreciated value led to its lack of documentation at some points in its history. The three parts of Hispanic theater include: Chicano theatre, Cuban-American theater, and Nuyorican (Puerto-rican component). Puerto Rican theater seeks to dramatize the problems of its people to draw awareness. Many Puerto Ricans come to the United States to earn enough money to return to home. Performances are likely to be in any place other than a traditional theater setting. Better known performances portraying Puerto Ricans such as “West side story” are inaccurate and confusing to Puerto Ricans. Early Spanish Settlers brought on Spanish theater traditions. More recently, Spanish Harlem contributed to the Puerto Rican theater style. It is important to recognize the influence of immigrant life in this type of theater.
Cuban American theater sprouted up in the 19th century. Early productions helped raise money for Cuban independence. Cuban blackface farce was an extremely popular type of production. A slightly recent resurgence of Cuban theater occurred in 1959 with the onset of the Cuban Revolution. The next generation of writers participating in Cuban theater or those who were raised or started their theater careers in the United States. They include English and Spanish dialogue.
Hispanic theater is very successful in the United States due to its prevalent culture in America. The first Hispanic theater that appeared was near 1600. The past 25 years is when the movement picked up speed especially though. It’s underappreciated value led to its lack of documentation at some points in its history. The three parts of Hispanic theater include: Chicano theatre, Cuban-American theater, and Nuyorican (Puerto-rican component).
Puerto Rican theater seeks to dramatize the problems of its people to draw awareness. Many Puerto Ricans come to the United States to earn enough money to return to home. Performances are likely to be in any place other than a traditional theater setting. Better known performances portraying Puerto Ricans such as “West side story” are inaccurate and confusing to Puerto Ricans. Early Spanish Settlers brought on Spanish theater traditions. More recently, Spanish Harlem contributed to the Puerto Rican theater style. It is important to recognize the influence of immigrant life in this type of theater.